Sister Roma is Mask4Mask

She’s bawdy, she’s brassy, she’s sassy, and she is proving that wearing a mask can’t keep a bitch silent.  For over 30 years, Sister Roma has been a high profile and very outspoken member of the iconic Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.  She has been at the forefront in the education, activism, and fundraising for the HIV and AIDS community long before it was the popular thing to do.  Through her fundraising and volunteerism, she has raised over 1 million dollars for the LGBTQ community.  She has traveled the globe appearing at rallies and hosting a wide variety of events.  She always returns to her home city for her long-running presence at Folsom Street Fair, Castro Street Fair, and, of course, San Francisco Pride.  Who can forget her irreverent Hunky Jesus contest? 

She has also made a presence in the adult film industry.  She has served as Creative Director for NakedSword/Falcon Studios Group for 20 years, and regularly hosts adult film industry awards and red carpets.  She’s equally at home on the set of a porn shoot, or in front of thousands at a rally. 

This last week NakedSword/Falcon launched their new, mostly safe for work campaign #Mask4Mask featuring the top names in the adult film industry all with the same message, “Wear your mask!”.  The LGBTQ community has taken a big economic hit due to the pandemic with iconic nightclubs closing, drag performances canceled, and Pride season made digital.  Our community needs to do its part to help get through! 

We chatted with Sister Roma for this GED exclusive: 

Why is it so difficult for people to wear a mask? 

It’s not difficult! That’s why I don’t understand why some people refuse. Smart people, people who trust science and listen to the experts, know that wearing a face-covering is the best way we have right now to protect themselves and others. As the country begins to slowly reopen, wearing a mask is the only way to flatten the curve and keep us moving in the right direction.

Is mask-wearing the world’s new normal? 

Right now, yes. Look, it’s not a death sentence to slip on a cute mask – but not wearing one could be.

Any tips for drag queens wearing a mask? 

Like everything drag queens do – wear a mask but make it fashion. I’m so proud to share that the Sisters here in San Francisco have partnered with the city’s Covid-19 Emergency Taskforce and District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman in a new mask-wearing campaign. Who says wearing a mask can’t be fabulous?

How did you first get into the adult industry? 

I got introduced to the gay porn industry by my best friend of over 30 years Mike Youens (aka Shante) who worked at Falcon. Through him, I met Chi Chi LaRue, Steven Scarborough (Hot House), and a lot of the stars. I immediately fell in love with everyone in the adult industry. I never dreamed it would lead to a 25+ year career. Today I’m so grateful to be working side-by-side with Falcon/NakedSword CEO and President Tim Valenti as co-Creative Director. We’ve come a long way since hosting the wacky Tim & Roma Show, but I’m proud to say that we continue to produce creative and important content like the Miss Pineapple Pageant, a fundraiser for PineappleSupport.org, and The #Mask4Mask video. Decades ago gay porn studios lead the charge by going “condom only,” believing it was our responsibility to portray safer sex as hot and save lives. Fast forward to today, and here we are again, encouraging harm reduction by wearing a mask and saving lives. 

How has the adult entertainment industry changed the most over the years? 

The Internet has changed EVERYTHING, including the way fans consume porn. Luckily our brands were quick to adapt with strong membership sites and a huge online presence. The next huge change occurred thanks to social media. Now more than ever models can interact directly with their fans. Some of these guys have followers in numbers that rival pop stars. They have become influencers in their own right, which is another reason the #Mask4Mask video is so important. Using their huge platforms, the guys can share the video and influence their fans to #WearAMask!

How have you been surviving during quarantine? 

Luckily back in March when it became apparent that we are about to go into quarantine, Tim was on it. He made sure that everyone in the company was fully equipped to safely and efficiently work from home. I realize how fortunate I am not to have to worry about losing work or income during this time. Otherwise, I’ve been almost as busy as ever, producing and hosting virtual drag shows and fundraisers, attending socially distant Black Lives Matter rallies, and doing outreach in my community through campaigns like #WearAMask. Other than that, I am taking this whole thing very seriously and only making essential trips for groceries, etc. But overall, my attitude and spirit have been positive.

What advice do you have for the LGBT community during our current political and social climate? 

Even though we are all sheltering in place and socially distant now is not the time for complacency. Now more than ever it is important to be active, involved, and present. Our country, our democracy, our freedom, our very LIVES are at stake. Make some noise, work a phone bank, put on a mask and march in the streets, fact-check, and share news on your social media – but most of all – VOTE on November 3. 

Sister Roma

Rapid Fire:

Adult film star you would marry: Shawn Raymond

Strangest thing you’ve bought online during COVID: A green screen

Strangest habit/hobby you have: Fact-checking people’s crazy tweets and FB posts

Most overplayed song at Pride: Born This Way

What would the name of your biography be? Roma, Party of Nun! 

You can check out the campaign at https://nakedsword.com/mask4mask2020 

Follow Sister Roma on Instagram: @Sister_Roma